For the uninitiated, one of the most common questions about solar power is, “What happens at night?” If the sun isn’t out, your solar panels won’t work, so don’t you have power at night if you go to solar power? Of course not! If you have solar power, you’re still connected to the grid. The solar system works in conjunction with the grid.
During the night, whatever electricity you use comes from the electric grid when your solar is not generating any power. The meter then measures how much power is coming into your home. If your solar system is appropriately installed, the electricity that goes out to the grid will offset the power coming from the grid into your home. In essence, you ‘re using the utility as your solar system’s battery. If you are thinking about going solar, don’t worry… you don’t have to live by candlelight and wood heat at night!